Portrait of S. P. Ivanov Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The portrait presents a man in a three-quarter view, set against a dark, indistinct background that allows for a concentrated focus on his figure. He is positioned slightly off-center, gazing directly at the viewer with a contemplative expression. The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating his face and upper body while leaving much of the background shrouded in shadow.
The man’s attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. A dark beret sits atop his head, framing his forehead and emphasizing the lines etched into his brow. Around his neck, a voluminous scarf – a combination of white and red hues – creates a textural contrast against his skin and adds visual complexity to the composition. He holds a book in his left hand, its pages partially visible, suggesting an intellectual or scholarly pursuit. The placement of the hand, slightly angled away from the body, introduces a subtle sense of informality.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the scarf and background. This technique lends a feeling of immediacy to the work, as if capturing a fleeting moment or impression. The face itself is rendered with greater detail, highlighting the mans age – indicated by lines around his eyes and mouth – and conveying a sense of quiet dignity.
Subtleties in color contribute to the painting’s mood. The muted palette, dominated by dark tones punctuated by the red scarf and the pale skin, evokes a feeling of introspection and perhaps even melancholy. The direct gaze establishes an intimate connection with the viewer, inviting speculation about the subjects character and inner life. The book held within his grasp suggests intellectual pursuits or possibly a profession connected to literature or academia. Overall, the work conveys a sense of quiet authority and thoughtful reserve.